Galatians 4:4-9

Matthew 26:26-29 NKJV [26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." [27] Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. [28] For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [29] But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.“

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV [1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: [2] On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

Dealing with Discouragement

A REAL PROBLEM TODAY: WORRY

P R D E I

The Answer to Sinful Pride

Do you Doubt?

Genesis 1:26-27,31 [26] Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." [27] So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. [31] Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Wayne had not attended church services for several weeks Wayne had not attended church services for several weeks. In His words, here is his reason for quitting: “The church doesn’t need me. I just don’t fit in down there . . . I’m not important.” When fourteen-year-old Harold was being talked to about his conduct problem in school, he replied, “I guess you could say I am a born loser.” George was asked to deliver a brief lesson/short talk to a group of men in the congregation. In rejecting the invitation, he said, “I can’t talk before the group because I don’t have anything worth listening to. Suzy was invited to serve as a hostess in a wedding reception. She declined because, to quote her words, “I have two left hands and would make a mess of things.”

Prov. 23:7: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Modern psychology defines self-esteem as “the opinion you have of yourself. What value do you think you have as a person?” Esteem: WORTH, VALUE OPINION, JUDGMENT the regard in which one is held; especially: high regard. Self-esteem: “a confidence and satisfaction in oneself”; SELF-RESPECT.

Signs of LOW SELF-ESTEEM Avoid contact with others. I’m good for nothing. I am too fat. I am too skinny. I am ugly. Refusing to participate in activities. Complaining for everything and everyone. Thinking that I am the best and that one is like me. Closing the door to opportunities.

Signs of HIGH SELF-ESTEEM Everyone notices me! I’m good for everything. I am build up.. I am handsome. participate in activities to be seen. These people need me and cannot do anything without me. I am the best and no one is like me. Even if I don’t know I open the door to opportunities showing I know all! I am gods-gift to everyone!

One website says “Self Esteem is the Key to your Happiness and Well-being” This is all centered upon self, as if self is the source of happiness and well-being (Jer. 10:23). God’s people should have self-respect, but not for the reasons the world offers (Gal. 2:20; Prov. 3:3-8) Christians know God is the giver of all good gifts and that our happiness comes from being saved in Christ – not from the confidence we put in ourselves.

SELF-ESTEEM AND HUMILITY, Phil. 2:3-5;Rom. 12:3, 16 Beware of pride, Prov. 16:18; 18:12; Gal. 6:3; God will raise up those who mourn over their sins & humble themselves before him, Jas. 4:9-10

SELF-ESTEEM AND SELFISHNESS, James. 4:1-3 Seek the will of God, not the will of self, John. 5:30 Self-esteem issues tend to make self the center & the source of confidence, contentment & happiness: No place for God! 2 Cor. 12:10 Self-denial to follow Jesus, Lk. 9:23. Not lowering our value, but surrendering our will to the Lord’s will (Gal. 2:20)

SELF-WORTH AND SELF-IMPORTANCE, Matt. 16:26 Valuable to God, Matt. 10:29-31 (“Do not fear”) Created in the image of God, Gen. 1:26 Given glory, honor & rule by God, Psa. 8:3-8 Forgiven by God, Eph. 4:32. Known & loved by God, Gal. 4:4-9 Exalted position with Christ (heavenly places), Eph. 1:3.

LIVE BY FAITH TO HAVE PROPER ESTIMATION OF SELF… (Gal. 2:20) In the strength of Christ, Phil. 4:13; Rom. 8:31-34, 37 In God’s grace & mercy, 1 Tim. 1:12-16. To look at life with an eternal outlook, 2 Cor. 4:16-18.

LOVING GOD AND LOVING OTHERS, Matt. 22:37-39 Must love God with all our heart, soul & mind; not in gloom & doubt, but confident faith (22:37). One cannot properly love others without a proper view of himself (22:39). One cannot properly love his/her spouse without a proper view of himself. Eph. 5:28-33

THE CHRISTIAN'S CONFIDENCE IS A CHOICE OF FAITH, Phil. 4:4-7, 13 Do not allow others to cause you to look down on yourself for being a Christian, Matt. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 4:16.

The Christian’s confidence is not placed in personal self-esteem, but in Christ: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Do you need help for your SELF-ESTEEM problem? Jesus is your perfect answer. Just listen to Him and do what He says! Be faithful until death. Be baptized in water. Confess Jesus. Repent of your sins. Believe I Jesus Hear the gospel.